Shea Nuts

Shea nuts are primarily grown in the west and Central Africa in the semi'arid sahel, referred to by traders as the 'Shea Belt'. Vitellaria paradoxa and Vitellaria nilotica are the two main varieties. Shea nut products; the solid fat (butter or stearin) and the liquid oil (olien), are ideal for use as raw materials in cooking oil, margarine, cosmetics, soap, detergents and candles. It has however found its market niche as a substitute for cocoa butter in the chocolate and confectionary industry. She nuts are available in large quantities between August and December, with the following specifications: